Worried that Camino Frances too busy?

[K8AS]

Hi there,

I'm hoping to do my first walk from St Jean Pied de Port mid-May to mid/late June. Having done some research I'm a bit worried that the whole route is really busy. From some posts it seems as if everyone is up at the crack of dawn racing off to find that night's accommodation. It sounds more of a race than an life affirming experience. Have I just got the wrong impression?

With thanks,

Kate

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Kate ~
Yes, you have the wrong impression. :-) I would say about 10% of pilgrims leave (too) early and rush on to the next albergue. Another 80% of pilgrims leave at a little after dawn and another 10% of pilgrims (like me) drag themselves out of bed about an hour after everyone else is gone. I think there may be more early-risers in the summertime who are not only trying to get a bed but who are trying to get their kms in before the sun gets too hot. The best way to deal with the early-risers is to pull the covers of your sleeping bag up over your head and go back to sleep.

Your advantage this year in mid-May to mid-June is that a) this is not a Holy Year like last year so there'll be less legitimate worry about getting a bed and b) your late spring timing means fewer pilgrims anyway.

My advice is: don't let the early-risers bug you too much. Their crinkly bags and flashing headlamps are a great reminder of how some people rush headlong through their lives without taking time to enjoy themselves. You, on the other hand, can be proud in your choice to take the Camino at your own pace and enjoy your day with the other 90% of pilgrims.

Don't let this turn you off. The camino is a GREAT experience, very life-affirming and very much worth the time and effort. You will never forget your walk and the friends you make.

Blessings ~
HuskyNerd (Sandy)

[BHinSanDiego]

Hi Kate and congratulations on your upcoming Camino! I did mine last year at the same time of the year, I left St Jean on May 22 and arrived in Santiago on June 23. Even though it was the holy year I never dealt with a crowding problem until the last 100 km whereas quite a few Spaniards were doing that leg to earn their Compostela, and even then it really wasn't a problem. Only once did I and some friends not get into an alburgue we had anticipated, but that worked out to our advantage, we had seen a brand new private alburgue while coming into town, we just back tracked and we some of the first to check in. I would awake when the lights came on in the alburgue and head out between 6:30-7AM and walk till 1 or 2 PM. Like Husky said, there is always a group that thinks there is a need to get up an hour earlier, make a bunch of noise and race to the next alburgue, the only thing they ever had on me was they were settled in before me, but I always got a bed, if I saw the people that had gotten up earlier and made noise I would get into another room at the alburgue if possible (some have bunk rooms with 8-12 bunks per room) just to be away from them. There is no need to race, it's not the holy year, go and enjoy yourself, my wave of people, that is group of friends I made along the way, would usually read up on the places to stay for the next night, sleep on it and come to a decision when we stopped for coffee an hour into our day, we did this because we may not walk together but did want to hang out with each other. If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me!
Buen Camino,
Barry

[K8AS]

Hi HuskyNerd and Barry - Many thanks indeed - it's fabulous to have this reassurance... All the very best, Kate